Figures published by exam boards showed a sharp increase in the number of A-levels taken in a range of traditional disciplines that are seen as vital to secure entry to the most sought-after institutions.

Maths, further maths, biology, chemistry, physics and geography were all named among the top 10 fastest growing subjects over the last 12 months, it emerged.

At the same time, fewer pupils sat exams in “soft” subjects repeatedly criticised as lacking academic rigour. This included communication studies, critical thinking, media studies, business studies, performing arts and general studies.

It follows the publication of subject “blacklists” by a number of Britain’s leading universities, suggesting applicants could be effectively ruled out if they study more than one of these disciplines.

The shift towards the maths and sciences is believed to have helped fuel an overall decline in the number of top A-level grades awarded this year.

Figures show that the proportion of papers marked A*/A was down from 26.6 to 26.3 per cent in 2013.

Elizabeth Truss, the Education Minister, said: “It is extremely encouraging that there has been such a significant rise in the number of students taking A-levels in subjects like maths and the sciences.

“These subjects are not just worth studying for their own sake – they are also the ones which open up modern, high-tech careers and are most in demand by employers and universities. This is good for the economy and will help the UK compete.”

As many as 300,000 students across England, Wales and Northern Ireland are believed to have received their A-level results today.

Figures published by the Joint Council for Qualifications, which represents exam boards, show big increases in entries for some subjects and declines in others. It emerged that:

• Maths entries were up by 2.7 per cent to 88,060 this year, while demand for further maths soared by 4.5 per cent to 13,821. In all, the number of pupils studying the two subjects combined has increased by more than 50 per cent over the last decade;

• Biology, chemistry and physics all appeared among the top 10 fastest growing subjects, with almost 24,000 more entries for the sciences in 2013 compared with 2009. The sciences now account for almost 18 per cent of all A-levels compared with 15 per cent four years ago;

• Economics was the fastest growing subject, with entries up by around 7.5 per cent to more than 26,000;

• At the other end of the spectrum, communication studies suffered the biggest decline, with entries plummeting by almost 17 per cent to 1,767;

• The other subjects suffering large drops included physical education (down 14.5 per cent to 14,441), general studies (down 11 per cent to 31,562), media studies (down nine per cent to 29,112) and drama (down eight per cent to 13,864).

Neil Bentley, deputy director-general at the Confederation of British Industry, said: “This is the first cohort to have chosen and studied A-levels since tuition fee reforms were passed in 2010.

“It’s clear students are being savvier in the face of higher degree costs and a tougher labour market, by taking subjects which maximise their future job chances.

“Higher take up in science and maths is good news, given the critical skills gaps in key sectors, like manufacturing and engineering, which drive long-term growth.”

But teachers’ leaders criticised the shift in subjects, suggesting that many teenagers were being forced into dropping disciplines to hit targets.

Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT union, said: “Some young people and schools may be feeling pressured into focusing on these subjects to the exclusion of pursuing a broader curriculum which recognises and values qualifications which lead into high quality work placements and apprenticeships.”